Scott Monument
Scott Monument things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Just a reminder of what Scotland will look like very soon! ✨🎄 Who wants to trade places to be in Scotland this Christmas & NYE? Just like in “The Holiday” Film. 🎄❄️ Sharing a few magical Christmas scenes from my two favorite big cities in 🏴: Edinburgh & Glasgow. 1st half of video Edinburgh locations: ❄️ Grassmarket ❄️ Victoria St ❄️ Scott Monument ❄️ @edinburghschristmas markets ❄️ George St ❄️ The Dome ❄️ Rose St Lane 2nd half of video Glasgow locations: ❄️ Glasgow Christmas Markets ❄️ Cafe Nero St Enochs Square ❄️ House of Fraser ❄️ Duke of Wellington ❄️ Ashton Lane ❄️ George Square ❄️ Argyle St ❄️ Buchanan St Follow my adventures at @latravelgirl #LATGxScotland #SimplyScotland
latravelgirllatravelgirl
8.9K134
The Scott Monument in Edinburgh stands as a grand tribute to the renowned Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, whose literary works have left an indelible mark on Scotland's cultural heritage. Designed by architect George Meikle Kemp in the Gothic Revival style, the monument is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and a fitting homage to Scott's literary legacy. Completed in 1846, the Scott Monument rises majestically in Princes Street Gardens, near the bustling thoroughfare of Princes Street. Its soaring spire, reaching a height of 61.1 meters (200 feet), makes it the largest monument to a writer in the world. The monument's design is rich in symbolism and detail, with intricately carved sculptures adorning its exterior. These sculptures depict characters from Scott's novels and poetry, as well as figures from Scottish history and folklore. Visitors to the monument can marvel at the craftsmanship of these sculptures and appreciate the depth of Scott's literary influence. One of the highlights of a visit to the Scott Monument is the opportunity to climb its narrow spiral staircase to the top. Despite the 287 steps required to reach the summit, the breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh and its surroundings make the ascent well worth it. From the top of the monument, visitors can gaze upon iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth, gaining a new perspective on the city's rich history and natural beauty. The Scott Monument stands not only as a tribute to Sir Walter Scott but also as a beloved symbol of Edinburgh's literary heritage and cultural identity. It continues to inspire visitors from around the world, inviting them to explore the life and works of one of Scotland's most celebrated authors while enjoying unparalleled views of the historic cityscape.
T attsT atts
30
The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument erected to writer Sir William Scott. It is situated on Princes Street right across from Jenner’s. The monument has 64 different figures displayed, not counting Scott and his dog, from Scott’s novels. The monument was inaugurated on August 15, 1846, but there is a lot of rich history behind where the design came from and how it was paid for as in the process of being developed the budget was blown and a person who won the contest for the design (George Kemp) was a joiner who applied for the contest under a false name. Other interesting obstacles include that the heavy marble that was used to build the monument came from Italy so they had trouble finding hoists to move such heavy stones. And before the monument was finally built, Kemp died under mysterious circumstances. There are stories that he was killed by a rival opponent who was upset that they didn’t win the design contest or he drank and died by falling into the Union Canal on his way home. The monument was left unfinished and Kemp’s son finally finished the project. Now, if you have some time and you want to have an entirely-claustrophobic and terrifying, adrenaline-charged experience and burn a few calories, pay the £3 or whatever the price is now and ascend the half inch spiral staircase to the top to the pinnacle of death for amazing views of Edinburgh. This trip is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a robust girth. If you climb this stairwell, I assure you that you’ll only want to do this once in your lifetime. This isn’t an excursion that you’ll want to do again.
Angela BrownAngela Brown
210
Visiting the Scott Monument was such an impressive experience! This Victorian Gothic structure, dedicated to the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, stands at an incredible 61 meters tall, making it the tallest monument to a writer in the world. The intricate stonework, with its Gothic arches and spires, creates a stunning silhouette against the Edinburgh skyline. I decided to pay for the climb, and it was absolutely worth it. Tickets for the guided climb were £8 for adults and £6 for children. There’s no option to pre-book, so you buy them at the kiosk right at the base of the monument. A heads up the staircase is really narrow, and with tours running every 30 minutes, each group only has a limited time at each viewing point since only one group can be on the spiral staircase at a time. Despite this, the views from the top over the city and surrounding landscapes were breathtaking. At the base, the monument is decorated with statues of characters from Scott's novels, celebrating his massive contribution to literature and Scottish culture. Nestled in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is not just a popular spot for tourists but also for locals, serving as a proud reminder of Scotland’s literary heritage. Overall, it stands as both an architectural marvel and a beautiful tribute to one of Scotland's most celebrated authors.
SAIRUSSAIRUS
10
As a student I only had to pay 6 Pounds to climb the 287 steps to the top of this Victorian Gothic monument built to commemorate Sir Walter Scott, one of the most famous Scottish writers. There’s a museum with beautiful stained-glass windows on the first floor and your tour guide will give you a quick overview on who Scott is and a few fun facts about the building (such as the fact that the guy who designed it wasn't even an actual architect). From the third platform you can have a windy but beautiful view over the city. There are 68 statues in the niches of the monument, all of which are characters in Scott's novels, and I would have liked to find out more about them. Sadly, since this is a rather busy spot, the tours are pretty short (about 15 minutes). A great place to visit if you're a literature student, and also if you just want to get a great view of Edinburgh and Waverley station (named after Scott's Waverley novels) from above. 4/5 Because I'd liked to get more information on Scott and not just the building, and the time we got on the museum platform was rather short.
Charlie LamprichtCharlie Lampricht
00
Dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, and a must-visit when in Edinburgh. We paid the fee to do the climb - and it was well worth it. Tickets for a guided climb are 8 Pounds (Adults) or 6 Pounds (Child/Concession). You cannot pre-book, and must purchase tickets at the Kiosk at the base of the Monument. As the staircase is quite narrow, and tour groups run every 30 minutes you will only have a short time at each of the viewing points as only one group can be on the spiral staircase at any time. They will tell you that there are 287 steps - these are very narrow and steep, but it is still quite an easy climb. If you are at all claustrophobic or acrophobic, then this is not the climb for you. The view of Edinburgh from the top is quite spectacular. We went on the first tour of the morning (10am) and it was not yet crowded. I definitely recommend doing this on your visit to Edinburgh.
Kaz BarKaz Bar
20
Nearby Attractions Of Scott Monument
Edinburgh Castle
National Museum of Scotland
Princes Street Gardens
Royal Mile
National Galleries of Scotland: National
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
The Real Mary King's Close
Primark
St Giles' Cathedral
Waverley Market
Edinburgh Castle
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National Museum of Scotland
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Princes Street Gardens
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Royal Mile
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Nearby Restaurants Of Scott Monument
Dishoom Edinburgh
The Standing Order - JD Wetherspoon
Makars Mash Bar
The Caley Picture House - JD Wetherspoon
COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Edinburgh
The Booking Office - JD Wetherspoon
The Dome
Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips
Deacon Brodies Tavern
Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre
Dishoom Edinburgh
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The Standing Order - JD Wetherspoon
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Makars Mash Bar
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The Caley Picture House - JD Wetherspoon
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 131 529 4068
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Website
edinburghmuseums.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(2.5K reviews)
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Description
The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. It is the second largest monument to a writer in the world after the José Martí monument in Havana.
attractions: Edinburgh Castle, National Museum of Scotland, Princes Street Gardens, Royal Mile, National Galleries of Scotland: National, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, The Real Mary King's Close, Primark, St Giles' Cathedral, Waverley Market, restaurants: Dishoom Edinburgh, The Standing Order - JD Wetherspoon, Makars Mash Bar, The Caley Picture House - JD Wetherspoon, COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Edinburgh, The Booking Office - JD Wetherspoon, The Dome, Bertie's Proper Fish & Chips, Deacon Brodies Tavern, Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre
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